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Annunciation/Evangelismos Church, Elkins Park, PA
Publish Date: 2022-07-31
Bulletin Contents
Weekend Update
Youth Activities and News
Community News & Events
Focus on Our Church Family
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Saints and Feasts
Bulletin Inserts
Annunciation/Evangelismos Endowment Fund
Allsaint
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Annunciation/Evangelismos Church, Elkins Park, PA

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (215) 635-0316
  • Fax:
  • (215) 635-8301
  • Street Address:

  • 7921 Old York Road

  • Elkins Park, PA 19027

Contact Information

Presiding Priest: Rev. Fr. John L. Johns


frjohn@anngoc.org | (215) 635-0316

Services Schedule

We meet for divine worship every Sunday morning and on holy days starting with Orthros (Matins) at 8:30, Divine Liturgy at 9:30-11 AM.

Visit us at www.anngoc.org for information on how to attend church services during the COVIT-19 Pandemic.

Past Bulletins


Weekend Update

COVID & Church Attendance

  • Following the Montgomery County health department recommendations, wearing a mask is now optional for divine liturgy and all church activities.
  • For those unable to attend in person, install the GOA Ages Initiatives App on your phone or tablet to see the text and pray with us through our Facebook Livestream.
  • Let us know if you would like for us to light a votive candle for you here.

7th Sunday of Matthew, July 31, 2022
Κυριακή Z' Ματθαίου, 31 Ιουλίου, 2022. Το κήρυγμα εδώ

7th Sunday of Matthew, July 31, 2022

  • 8:30 am MATINS, 9:30 am DIVINE LITURGY.
  • Join us in offering memorial prayers for the peaceful repose of the soul of Louise Sophia Voutsinos (1 year) of blessed memory.

Monday, August 1, 2022

  • 6 pm SMALL PARAKLESIS/SUPPLICATION TO THE MOTHER OF GOD. Bilingual booklets will be available for congregational singing and praying this beautiful prayer to the Theotokos. Please submit here or bring the names of your loved ones to be lifted in prayer.

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

  • 9 am SMALL PARAKLESIS/SUPPLICATION TO THE MOTHER OF GOD.

Friday, August 5, 2022. Forefeast of the Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

  • 6 pm GREAT VESPERS of the TRANSFIGURATION.

Saturday, August 6, 2022. The Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

  • 8:30 am MATINS, 9:30 am DIVINE LITURGY with the blessing of the first-fruits.

8th Sunday of Matthew, August 7, 2022

  • 8:30 am MATINS, 9:30 am DIVINE LITURGY.

  • Join us in offering memorial prayers for the peaceful repose of the souls of Gregory Pogas (40 days), Christos Karagiannis (1 year), Alexandros Skoures (2 years), Alexandra Skoures (6 years), Evropi Tripolitis (12 years), and Konstantinos Tripolitis (16 years) of blessed memory.

  • The Pogas family invites all to coffee and refreshments in memory of their beloved Gregory.

Monday, August 8, 2022

  • 9 am SMALL PARAKLESIS/SUPPLICATION TO THE MOTHER OF GOD.

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

  • 6 pm SMALL PARAKLESIS/SUPPLICATION TO THE MOTHER OF GOD.

Friday, August 12, 2022

  • 9 am SMALL PARAKLESIS/SUPPLICATION TO THE MOTHER OF GOD.

9th Sunday of Matthew, August 14, 2022

  • 8:30 am MATINS, 9:30 am DIVINE LITURGY.
  • The fellowship hour will be hosted by GOYA.
  • 6 pm GREAT VESPERS of the DORMITION. Please contact the parish office in advance if you would like to offer artoklasia (the blessing of the five loaves, wine, and oil) for the health and well-being of your loved ones.

Monday, August 15, 2022. The Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary

  • 8:30 am MATINS, 9:30 am DIVINE LITURGY.
  • Our Philoptochos will host a luncheon.

Tuesday, August 16, 2022

  • 7 pm Parish Council meeting.

10th Sunday of Matthew, August 21, 2022

  • 8:30 am MATINS, 9:30 am DIVINE LITURGY.

Friday, August 26, 2022

  • 10 am Wedding: Joanne Lynn Hohenwarter & Andrew Markou.

11th Sunday of Matthew, August 28, 2022

  • 8:30 am MATINS, 9:30 am DIVINE LITURGY.

Monday, August 29, 2022. Beheading of the Holy and Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John.

  • 8:30 am MATINS, 9:30 am DIVINE LITURGY.
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Youth Activities and News

Sunday School News

Help Needed!

Catechism School is seeking substitute teachers for the upcoming school year.

If you're interested in volunteering with our youth, or perhaps have a child or grandchild in Sunday School and would be willing to step in when there's a teacher absence in their classroom, please contact Jacinda at catechism@anngoc.org.

Lessons are provided by the teachers - no planning necessary for this position and we are happy to work around your schedule and preferences. Please reach out for more information and God bless!

Please register you children for the 2022-2023 Catechism School year and all Youth Ministries here: 2022-2023 Youth Ministries Registration Form

This Week's Children's Word from OCN


Greek School News

Please register you children for the 2022-2023 Greek School year and all Youth Ministries here: 2022-2023 Youth Ministries Registration Form

 Help Wanted

The future is brighter than ever for Annunciation Elkins Park Greek School. We are looking for dynamic, passionate, and qualified individuals to join our team and our mission for the upcoming 2022-2023 school year! 
The ideal candidate should have mastery of the Greek Language, teaching skills, as well as a professional who wants to provide students with an exemplary, Greek education and is comfortable incorporating technology into the classroom. Our Greek school hours are Tuesdays and Fridays 5:00pm-7:00pm. 
If you are interested in becoming a teacher, or know anyone that might be interested, please email Annunciation Greek School Director, Debbie Sourias, greekschool@anngoc.org or contact by phone 215-407-1872.
 

GOYA Activities

Greek Heritage Night  is happening September 7 at Citizens Bank Park!
Come watch the Phillies take on the Marlins. 
A portion of the proceeds will help benefit EP GOYA when you purchase your tickets here. Coupon code: EPGOYA
Please share the link with friends and family! 

Young Adult News

Friday, August 19: YAL end of summer kickoff bash


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Community News & Events

Are You Traveling for Your Summer Vacation?

A. Find a local Orthodox Church to attend here
B. Register your children for the 2022-2023 Youth Ministries here
C. Continue your church donations through Vanco here

Looking Ahead


Homeless Ministry News

4th Annual Parish Backpack Drive

Help restore some sense of normalcy for these children and send the message that
 they are important—and so is their education!
Donate $10 to cover the cost of one backpack
or
Donate $15 to cover the cost of school supplies for one backpack
or
Donate $25 to cover the cost of one backpack filled with school supplies
or
Donate any amount towards this drive!
FOCUS North America will supply the backpacks and school supplies.
You can participate either by mailing or dropping off a check made payable to “FOCUS
North America” to our church office or by making a donation to the Homeless Ministry
on VANCO. Please be sure to indicate that your donation is for the backpack drive.
 
This drive will end on August the 15th.
Backpacks and supplies will be distributed to homeless families through Philadelphia
Interfaith Hospitality Network and Project Home.
 
Let’s Help Kids in Need Succeed! 

Matthew25 Ministry News

Summer is in full swing, and with it comes vacations, barbeques, shore time, heat, and INFLATION!

Matthew 25 takes a back seat regarding asking our parish for donations in the summer months. We continue to supply Seeds of Hope with eggs, butter, and cheese. We can provide these items, among other requested foods, as a direct result of your incoming donations. Our dollar doesn't go nearly as far as it used to. The number of shoppers has increased, and we are grateful that the pantry reaches out to us when supplies are meager. We have ongoing communication with the pantry and have formed a friendly relationship over the years. We didn't abandon them during Covid and certainly won't with rising inflation. Our ministry has provided them with a sense of security. It's wonderful to be a small part of something so rewarding. We are also thanked and acknowledged as a church and ministry through the Seeds of Hope email bulletin.

We hope to find ways to expand on our giving in the fall. There are smaller pantries that could benefit from our donations. If you know of a pantry or organization needing some help, please get in touch with us. We will encourage our parish to make donations through Vanco and never turn away non-perishable food donations. Please contact us if you're making a physical donation in the summer to get the gifts delivered.

With God's help, we hope to continue to provide for our brothers and sisters who have been plagued with food insecurities. Unfortunately, the numbers and needs of people who rely strictly on local food pantries are rising by around 25%. This alarming statistic will continue to rise if inflation doesn't go down. Think of your frustration when you pay more at the grocery store but come home with less.

Wishing you happy and healthy summer days with your families.

Lisa & Sophia, Matthew 25 Ministry

"Gratitude is our sweet acknowledgment of the Lord's hand in our lives. It's an expression of our faith." Bonnie D. Parkin


Young at Heart Ministry

WELCOME BACK, meet and greet get together after the divine liturgy of the Elevation of the  Holy Cross on Wednesday, September 14th.

Light refreshments will be provided.  For more details, please contact  Maria (215) 885-0242 or Susan (215) 901-6264. 

Our Young at Heart ministry provides fellowship and friendship for our 65 and above mature adults.

Each person in the church is vital to the health and growth of the church. Older Christians' rich experience and seasoned gifts are indispensable resources to our congregation. In addition, our church is committed to encouraging the Young at Heart to maintain their involvement in the church's life. There's a place for you at Annunciation! Ministries need your skills, abilities, and maturity!


Spiritual Life Ministry News

Day Trip to Agia Skepi Monastery

Saturday, September 17, 2022.
We are chartering a 50-seat passenger bus and inviting all, including your children, to come!
Due to the continuation of Covid, Agia Skepi has restricted us to 50 visitors, so please reserve your seat now for the trip.
 
The cost per person and more info will be available soon. In the meantime:
Please Reserve Your Seat by emailing Barbara Louridas at
barbaralouridas@gmail.com. Texting or calling at 215-429-9605
 
Tentative Schedule for the Day 
DEPART From Annunciation Elkins Park at 10 am
ARRIVAL TIME 11:30 am
a. Kalosorisma in bookstore hall 
b. Noon tour of Monastery with Sister Marina
c. Lunch at 1:30 pm
d. Free time to enjoy quiet time or stroll the Monastery grounds
e. Vespers from 4-5:20 pm
f. Depart for Annunciation at 6 pm
 
For more info and questions, please call Barbara Louridas at 215-429-9605  

Save the Date!

Annunciation/Evangelismos Church Golden Thyranoixia Gala

Saturday, November 5th, 2022. Green Valley Country Club, Lafayette Hill, PA.

We are excited to be planning this celebration commemorating our 50 years in Elkins Park, PA, as a church family.

We are equally excited and honored to be blessed with the presence of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros and His Grace Bishop Apostolos for the evening.

Details will be posted here as they become available. Please mark your calendars!


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Focus on Our Church Family

Pastoral care: If you or someone you know is sick, homebound elderly, or scheduled for surgery, please call the church office to let us know so Fr. John can make a pastoral visit or add someone to the prayer list.
 
Let us pray to the Lord for the health and salvation of: Suffering and persecuted Christians in the Middle East and the non-Christian world, Dimitrios, Eugenia, Alexandra, Peter, Dimitra, Joyce, Efthimia, Sophia, Noel, Kyriaki, Mary, Maria, Betty, Lisa, Dennis, Sandi, Karl, Athena, Andy, Eugene, Philip.
We will keep the names on this list for approximately 3 months. Please resubmit Names if needed. Fr. John will include the submitted names at the Psokomide “Offering of Gifts” during the first part of the liturgy when he prepares the mystical gifts of bread & wine. Please lift these names to the Lord in your personal prayer life as well.
 
Prayer for healing: Heavenly Father, physician of our souls and bodies, who have sent our Lord to heal every sickness. Visit and heal us. Grant patience in this sickness, strength of body and spirit, and recovery of health. Lord, You have taught us to pray for each other that we may be healed. We pray that You heal, guide, and protect your servant (s) (pray by name for those who are sick) and grant them the gift of complete health. You are the source of healing, and to You, we give glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Happy wedding anniversary to those celebrating this coming week:  Frank & Sophia Loiacono, Kurt Ufer & Joanne Epitropou-Ufer, Stamatios & Maria Mountis.

Χρόνια πολλά & ευλογημένα!  God grant you many years!  To those who are celebrating birthdays this coming week: Michael Bavas, Kyryakoula Chaviaras, Olga McHugh, Warren Christman, Sean Connolly, Stephanie Falbo, Simeon Lehmann, Michael Malamas, Kyriakos Rodgers, Konstantina Diamantas, Harper Hunsicker, Konstantinos Spiliotis, Jonathan Dietz, Michele Ganas, Stavroula Nikolaidis, Hailey Trifonidis, Pelagia Koutsouros Nunez, Eleni Tsakiris, Eleni Gardner, Gregory Kaldes,Nick Tsoflias, Rizos Vagelaras, Maia Kloufetos, Patra Konugres, Elpida Mavrakis, John Scanlon, Bethany Zoeltsch, Panayiotis Zografakis.
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal Second Mode. Psalm 27.9,1.
O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.
Verse: To you, O Lord, I have cried, O my God.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 15:1-7.

Brethren, we who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves; let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to edify him. For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached thee fell on me." For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, therefore, as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Προκείμενον. Plagal Second Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 27.9,1.
Σῶσον, Κύριε τὸν λαὸν σου καὶ εὐλόγησον τὴν κληρονομίαν σου.
Στίχ. Πρὸς σἐ, Κύριε, κεκράξομαι ὁ Θεός μου.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς ῾Ρωμαίους 15:1-7.

Ἀδελφοί, ὀφείλομεν δὲ ἡμεῖς οἱ δυνατοὶ τὰ ἀσθενήματα τῶν ἀδυνάτων βαστάζειν, καὶ μὴ ἑαυτοῖς ἀρέσκειν. Ἕκαστος ἡμῶν τῷ πλησίον ἀρεσκέτω εἰς τὸ ἀγαθὸν πρὸς οἰκοδομήν. Καὶ γὰρ ὁ Χριστὸς οὐχ ἑαυτῷ ἤρεσεν, ἀλλά, καθὼς γέγραπται, Οἱ ὀνειδισμοὶ τῶν ὀνειδιζόντων σε ἐπέπεσον ἐπʼ ἐμέ. Ὅσα γὰρ προεγράφη, εἰς τὴν ἡμετέραν διδασκαλίαν προεγράφη, ἵνα διὰ τῆς ὑπομονῆς καὶ διὰ τῆς παρακλήσεως τῶν γραφῶν τὴν ἐλπίδα ἔχωμεν. Ὁ δὲ θεὸς τῆς ὑπομονῆς καὶ τῆς παρακλήσεως δῴη ὑμῖν τὸ αὐτὸ φρονεῖν ἐν ἀλλήλοις κατὰ Χριστὸν Ἰησοῦν· ἵνα ὁμοθυμαδὸν ἐν ἑνὶ στόματι δοξάζητε τὸν θεὸν καὶ πατέρα τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ. Διὸ προσλαμβάνεσθε ἀλλήλους, καθὼς καὶ ὁ Χριστὸς προσελάβετο ὑμᾶς, εἰς δόξαν θεοῦ.

Gospel Reading

7th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 9:27-35

At that time, as Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, "Have mercy on us, Son of David." When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to him, "Yes, Lord." Then he touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith be it done to you." And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly charged them, "See that no one knows it." But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.

As they were going away, behold, a dumb demoniac was brought to him. And when the demon had been cast out, the dumb man spoke; and the crowds marveled, saying, "Never was anything like this seen in Israel." But the Pharisees said, "He casts out demons by the prince of demons."

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people.

7th Sunday of Matthew
Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 9:27-35

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, παράγοντι ἐκεῖθεν τῷ ᾿Ιησοῦ ἠκολούθησαν αὐτῷ δύο τυφλοὶ κράζοντες καὶ λέγοντες· ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς, υἱὲ Δαυΐδ. ἐλθόντι δὲ εἰς τὴν οἰκίαν προσῆλθον αὐτῷ οἱ τυφλοί, καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς· πιστεύετε ὅτι δύναμαι τοῦτο ποιῆσαι; λέγουσιν αὐτῷ· ναί, Κύριε. τότε ἥψατο τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτῶν λέγων· κατὰ τὴν πίστιν ὑμῶν γενηθήτω ὑμῖν. καὶ ἀνεῴχθησαν αὐτῶν οἱ ὀφθαλμοί· καὶ ἐνεβριμήσατο αὐτοῖς ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς λέγων· ὁρᾶτε μηδεὶς γινωσκέτω. οἱ δὲ ἐξελθόντες διεφήμισαν αὐτὸν ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ γῇ ἐκείνῃ.

Αὐτῶν δὲ ἐξερχομένων ἰδοὺ προσήνεγκαν αὐτῷ ἄνθρωπον κωφὸν δαιμονιζόμενον· καὶ ἐκβληθέντος τοῦ δαιμονίου ἐλάλησεν ὁ κωφός, καὶ ἐθαύμασαν οἱ ὄχλοι λέγοντες ὅτι οὐδέποτε ἐφάνη οὕτως ἐν τῷ ᾿Ισραήλ. οἱ δὲ Φαρισαῖοι ἔλεγον· ἐν τῷ ἄρχοντι τῶν δαιμονίων ἐκβάλλει τὰ δαιμόνια.

Καὶ περιῆγεν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς τὰς πόλεις πάσας καὶ τὰς κώμας διδάσκων ἐν ταῖς συναγωγαῖς αὐτῶν καὶ κηρύσσων τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τῆς βασιλείας καὶ θεραπεύων πᾶσαν νόσον καὶ πᾶσαν μαλακίαν ἐν τῷ λαῷ.

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Saints and Feasts

Allsaint
July 31

Eudocimus the Righteous of Cappadocia

Saint Eudocimus was from Cappadocia, the son of pious and most illustrious parents, patricians in rank. He especially cultivated chastity and mercy, the one by never meeting the gaze of a woman, the other by cheerfully providing the needs of the poor. When he was made military commander of Cappadocia, he continued in his righteous ways, showing mercy and uprightness in all his dealings. Having so lived in piety, quietly and without ostentation, he was called from this life at the age of thirty-three, about the year 840, during the reign of the Iconoclast Theophilus. Not long after his burial, his grave became a fountain of unending miracles, as God revealed the virtue that Eudocimus had striven to hide; when his grave was later opened, his body was found incorrupt. His holy relics were translated to Constantinople.

Twoblindmen
July 31

7th Sunday of Matthew

Exaltation
July 31

Forefeast of the Precious Cross

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Bulletin Inserts

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Annunciation/Evangelismos Endowment Fund

Like all gifts that benefit Annunciation / Evangelismos Greek Orthodox Church, endowed gifts to the church contribute to its growth, to ministry creation, and to its service to others fulfilling the Gospel of Christ. Endowments are particularly powerful because they deliver a dependable, perpetual source of funding to the ministries of Christ you care about most and that our Lord commands us, in the Holy Scriptures, to fulfill. Your Gift to establish an endowment is an investment in the future – an eternal investment - one that affects the salvation of each spiritual life in our church family and of those our ministries serve.

Mission Statement

The Annunciation / Evangelismos Greek Orthodox Church Endowment Fund aims to provide for the long-term financial support and stability of our church’s programs, ministries, and missions consistent with the Holy Scriptures and the Orthodox Christian Tradition, to witness to the Orthodox Faith, and to serve others.

What is an Endowment Fund?

An Endowment Fund is composed of restricted funds given as individual bequests and gifts through such giving vehicles as wills, trusts, retirements or estate plans, life insurance, charitable lead or remainder trusts, gift annuities, cash, or real estate. Endowed funds are unique in that the total amount of the gift is invested and remains intact. The investment income, then, becomes a financial resource for Annunciation / Evangelismos to use. Each year, a percentage of the endowment fund’s income is distributed to benefit the mission of the Fund.  In this respect, an endowment is intended to be a perpetual gift.

Why Should I Give to the Annunciation / Evangelismos Endowment Fund?

Giving through accumulated, inherited and appreciated resources is considered “asset stewardship”. As Orthodox Christian faithful, we are encouraged to give from our accumulated resources and wealth during our life and after death. The Endowment Fund is a way for stewards to make a perpetual gift to the church from their lifetime accumulated resources. Knowing that your gift will grow with sound investment and spending practices, endowed funds:

  • Help create and grow the programs, ministries, and missions of the Church
  • Provide the assurance we need to recruit and maintain staff that ministry and church growth necessitate
  • Leave a perpetual and enduring Legacy of Faith to the Church
  • Honor and memorialize your faithful family or loved-one
  • Protect your estate and legacy
  • Reduce your income and/or estate taxes – ask your tax accountant or financial advisor how

The Different Ways of Planned Giving

  • Wills and Bequests - Leave a lasting legacy by adding the Endowment Fund as a beneficiary to your will - most common method
  • Life Insurance policy - You can gift an existing policy your family no longer needs or a new policy naming the fund as a beneficiary
  • Cash, Stocks, Bonds, Real Estate or other assets
  • Charitable Remainder Trust

  • Will, bequest, beneficiary form or check made to: Annunciation / Evangelismos Endowment Fund, EIN#  83-3399560

To Learn More about the Annunciation / Evangelismos Endowment Fund

Please call the church office and one of the Endowment Fund committee members will call you back. The directors are: Jim Verros, Jim Trivelis, Demetrios Hatzopoulos, John Gilliland, Mitch Papakirk, Dean Dalson and Father John Johns.

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